Chapter 173-448 WAC – Air Quality in Overburdened Communities
We are starting rulemaking for a new rule, Chapter 173-448 WAC, Air Quality in Overburdened Communities — to implement parts of RCW 70A.65.020, Environmental justice review. This law passed in 2021 as part of the Climate Commitment Act. It directs Ecology to reduce air pollution in overburdened communities that are highly impacted by criteria air pollutants, as defined in RCW 70A.65.005(7) and RCW 70A.65.010(54).
This rulemaking will consider:
- Determining processes and strategies for emission reductions to achieve air quality targets in overburdened communities initially identified by Ecology.
- Other rule language necessary for implementation.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
Oct. 10, 2024
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
October 10, 2024 – Winter 2025Public input & involvement
This rulemaking will include an environmental justice assessment, as required by the Healthy Environment for All Act (the HEAL Act, RCW 70A.02.060). We want to engage with communities and Tribes to hear their input and related environmental justice concerns. Join our email list to get involved.
CLOSED Public comment period (informal) – what to include in the rulemaking
November 14, 2024, 12:01 a.m. – August 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
Read comments.
OPEN Public comment period (informal) – draft rule language
November 14, 2025, 12:01 a.m. – January 18, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Comment online.
Rulemaking meetings
| Date | Meeting information | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday December 12, 2024 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
same content for both meetings: | |
| Thursday March 6, 2025 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
same content for both meetings: | webinar recording |
| Wednesday May 21, 2025 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
same content for both meetings: | webinar recording |
| Wednesday July 23, 2025 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
same content for both meetings |
webinar recording |
1 Webinar information:
Register for each webinar to get your meeting ID and passcode.
To hear the webinar better or to call in only, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 253‑215‑8782.
Related links
Contact information
Anthony Bruma
Rulemaking Lead
anthony.bruma@ecy.wa.gov
564-669-1484
Stay informed
Join our email list
Accessibility
To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.